Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, presides over a biweekly consultation meeting held by the CPPCC National Committee in Beijing on July 27, 2022. [Photo/Qi Bo]

Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, called for efforts to improve emergency response at the grassroots level in a biweekly consultation meeting of the 13th CPPCC National Committee on July 27.

Wang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, stressed efforts to stick to a people-centered approach, give full play to China's political and institutional strengths, and modernize its system and capability of emergency management in line with local conditions.

Ten members of the CPPCC National Committee and experts spoke at the 64th biweekly consultation meeting, while more than 120 members shared their ideas on mobile platforms.

It was generally agreed that China in recent years has made historic accomplishments in emergency response management, but also faces challenges including a relatively weak foundation and gaps in fields such as working mechanism, law enforcement and risk prevention.

The members suggested clarifying responsibilities between the two administrative divisions, namely counties and districts on one level and towns and sub-districts on another level, allowing the latter to exercise appropriate powers of comprehensive management and emergency disposal.

Other suggestions included strengthened coordination, a prevention-first approach, better risk identification and early warning system, and creation of a capable network of professionals supported by volunteers.  

It’s also necessary to ensure resource reserves at the State, enterprise, family and market levels, get production capacity ready, develop academic programs in emergency response and talent training, and increase the public’s awareness of emergency response and skills, according to the members.